Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last-minute questions. We can be reached at (510) 724-3666 in Pinole and (925) 938-5633 in Walnut creek during regular business hours.

You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

It may be important to stop taking blood thinning medications, 5-7 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them after discussing it with your medical doctor. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-8 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if Dr. Harandi determines it to be necessary. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Sedatives

If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives you must have a ride to and from the office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Triazolam (Halcion)

For your comfort, your surgery will be performed utilizing a combination of local anesthetics and orally administered conscious sedation. For your safety, it is necessary that you follow the instructions below.

Medications

• Take your usual prescribed medications as well as those that have been prescribed for you in preparation for your surgery. Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing medications for at least three days prior to your surgery date. (Please check with your physician before doing so.)
• If diabetic, please take your medication and eat as usual.
• Please inform the doctor if you are taking any blood thinner medication. (i.e. Coumadin, Plavix, etc.)
• Advise us of any medications you are taking, even over-the-counter drugs. Please do not start to take any over the counter medicines without the doctor’s knowledge and approval.
• If necessary, please pre-medicate 1 hour prior to your appointment time.

Restrictions

• Do not drink any alcoholic beverages the day of your appointment as well as the day before your appointment.
• Dress comfortably.
• If you are under any type of sedation, you MUST be accompanied home by an adult who will drive and arrange for responsible supervision for the remainder of the day. We are sorry, but we cannot allow you to take a public conveyance or drive yourself home.
• If any disturbances or problems should develop after you leave our office, you should call our office (or emergency number if after normal working hours) immediately.
• Full mental alertness will not return for several hours after your sedation. Therefore, for the remainder of the day you should limit activity requiring full concentration power. You will not be able to safely or prudently: (a) drive an automobile or operate machinery, (b) undertake business or financial matters or (c) drink alcoholic beverages the day of your sedation. Remaining at rest, as well as, the use of a small ice pack on your face can, significantly enhance your comfort. Heavy physical activity shortly after your surgery can cause complications and pain.
• Please notify us if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose or fever or any other illness during the days prior to your surgical appointment. If rescheduling your appointment becomes necessary, we would like to have as much advance notice as possible. Please do not wait until the day before, or the day of your surgery to notify us, thinking that you might get better.       Our office commonly starts preparing items for your surgery several days in advance, so the lead time related to possible rescheduling can be important.
• Please inform the doctor if you are taking any blood thinner medication. (i.e. Coumadin, Plavix, etc.)

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: